As the air turns crisp and autumn leaves begin to fall, families across the UK prepare for two of the year’s most exciting celebrations—Halloween and Bonfire Night. This season brings joy and community spirit, but as personal injury solicitors, we’re all too aware of the hidden dangers that can accompany these festivities, especially when it comes to children’s safety.

The combination of dark evenings, fireworks, and increased road activity heightens the risk of accidents, and we must all work together to protect our loved ones.

The fright of Halloween: road safety and costumes

Halloween is a time when children love dressing up and going from door to door, trick-or-treating. Yet, it’s also a time when the roads are bustling with people and the nights are darker than ever. In the excitement, children may forget road safety rules, and drivers may not anticipate a small child running across the road. Tragically, every year we hear stories of young lives impacted by road accidents during Halloween. Statistics say a child is four times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident on Halloween night. 

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) highlights that child pedestrian accidents spike in October and November. These statistics are a reminder of the risks our children face, but they’re also a call to action for all of us to be vigilant. Children often wear dark costumes, making them less visible on roads. Road safety groups warn that 12% of under 5’s are out trick-or-treating without parental supervision. Parents and caregivers, we urge you to consider adding reflective strips to your children’s costumes, and for drivers, please be even more vigilant and alert on Halloween night.

Bonfire Night: a celebration of fire and potential hazard

Bonfire Night is a special evening for many, with families gathering to watch fireworks and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire. However, it’s also a night fraught with potential hazards. Fireworks, sparklers, and bonfires are captivating but can lead to serious injuries if not handled with care. NHS data consistently shows that children and young adults are most at risk, with burns and eye injuries being common injuries around this time.

In recent years, we’ve seen tragic examples, such as the incident in which a young girl’s Halloween costume caught fire from a sparkler. Such events are a devastating reminder of how quickly festivities can turn into tragedy. It’s crucial to supervise children around fireworks, maintain a safe distance, and avoid flammable materials in their costumes. These precautions could make the difference in preventing a serious accident.

Dangers of faulty products

During Halloween and Bonfire Night, many families rely on decorations, costumes, and fireworks purchased from shops or online. However, faulty or low-quality products can lead to avoidable injuries. Just last year, a family in Greater Manchester reported a terrifying incident where their children’s Halloween lights overheated and melted, nearly causing a fire in their home.

When buying costumes, decorations, or fireworks, check for UK safety marks. Faulty or non-compliant products can have severe consequences, especially when they involve flammable materials or electric components. At Switalskis, we believe that manufacturers and retailers must be held accountable for the products they put into our hands, and we are here to support families who have suffered due to faulty goods.

Tips for a safe and enjoyable celebration

To ensure that Halloween and Bonfire Night remain safe and enjoyable for everyone, we encourage families to take a few simple precautions:

Road safety : Ensure children are properly supervised. Equip them with reflective strips on their costumes, encourage them to carry torches, and remind them of the importance of looking both ways when crossing roads. Drivers should stay vigilant and aware that children may be out on the roads.

Costume safety : Select flame-resistant costumes and avoid long, trailing pieces that can catch fire. If your child will be using sparklers or near bonfires, consider shorter, more fitted costumes that minimise the risk of contact with flames.

Supervise fireworks : Only adults should handle fireworks, and they should be used in a clear, open space away from children. Make sure to follow the Firework Code , including never returning to a firework once lit and having water nearby.

Check products for safety : Buy costumes, decorations, and fireworks from reputable sellers and look for safety certifications. If a product seems faulty or hazardous, report it to Trading Standards to help prevent others from facing the same risk.

When accidents happen, we’re here for you

At Switalskis, we understand that accidents can and do happen, often when least expected. The pain, stress, and emotional trauma of witnessing a loved one injured due to a fire, burn, or other Halloween or Bonfire Night hazard are unimaginable. We want to assure you that you’re not alone and our dedicated team is here to support you through these challenging times.

As we approach these festive nights, let’s do everything we can to make sure they’re filled with laughter, joy, and, most importantly, safety. Stay safe, enjoy responsibly, and let’s protect each other in this season of celebration.

If you or a loved one has been affected by an injury this season, whether due to a road accident, a faulty product, or a firework incident, please reach out. Our personal injury solicitors will provide the legal guidance you need and help you understand your rights to claim compensation. We are committed to holding those responsible to account. Call us on 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com